Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Information
- Date
- 26th October 2017
- Society
- Dunmow Players
- Venue
- Foakes Hall, Dunmow
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Iain Court
- Musical Director
- Karen Chinery
- Choreographer
- Abi Carsberg and Peter Dedman
This is an iconic production and woe betide any society who strays from the conventions that have been established. I am pleased to say that Dunmow Players mainly stuck to those conventions and produced a show that was colourful, fun, thought provoking and very enjoyable. From the moment the music started, the audience were enjoying themselves. Never mind that the Australian accents were not very evident, we just wanted to wallow in the great music, wonderful costumes and great performances.
Tick (Mitzi) played by Michael Boone Traveller, has an excellent singing voice although he was a little half-hearted in the dance numbers. Overall this was a good performance though. Bernadette, played by Peter Dedman, had some excellent lines to deliver and he did it with great style. Adam (Felicia) played by Joe Edmunds, gave strong performance as the flighty one, very energetic.
The three Divas, Victoria Carey, Aylin Cetinkaya and Jessica Webb, are crucial to the production and these three ladies are all excellent singers with strong harmonisation when called for. The lip sync scenes worked well and they produced a strong set of vocals throughout the show.
The two featured drag artists, Miss Understanding, played by Garry Bray and Young Bernadette, played by Eddie Davis were good; Eddie, in particular was very impressive. Very believable!
The part of Bob was played by Simon Dedman and he did well considering he has no previous performing experience. I also felt it would have been kinder to have cut his song as he really didn’t do it justice. Whilst on that subject, I was so sorry that the second act opening number had been cut, Thank God, I’m A Country Boy is a great song and it’s a shame not to have performed it. I assume this may have been because it is an audience participation number and that may not have been practical on this stage.
The remainder of the Principals all performed well, especially Henry Davis as Young Benji, shame his song was drowned out by the lack of a working microphone. That wasn’t the only mic that was not working but this venue is notoriously difficult for sound and, overall, it was good. The ensemble played the multiple parts well and the show moved at a good pace.
Lighting was a bit patchy, there was a point when two of the Divas were on the walkway in complete darkness and then the blinders were turned on and no-one could see! Having the walkway was good and allowed more movement but it wasn’t lit well on other occasions either.
Costumes were excellent, unfortunately not credited in the programme which is a pity. The band was well balanced and, when the cast were properly mic’d they could be heard over the music.
I must give a special mention for the scenery, particularly the bus. This was designed and built by members of the company and it was excellent. It worked very well, moved smoothly, looked the part and contributed strongly to the overall ‘look’ of the show.
So, a very good show, with a few small issues but, the audience didn’t care, we were having such a great time. Well done to Dunmow Players for taking on the challenge of Priscilla, full houses and excellent reactions from the audience should make sure the future of the society is assured.
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